Define variables: w = price of a sweater, in dollars h = price of a shirt, in dollars 2. Set up two equations representing the problem: w+=+2h+-+5 4h+%2B+3w+=+275 3. Since an equation for one variable is solved, substitute the answer for the variable in the other equation: 4h+%2B+3%282h+-+5%29+=+275 4. Distribute the 3: 4h+%2B+6h+-+15+=+275 5. Combine two terms: 10h+-+15+=+275 6. Add 15 to both sides: 10h+-+15+%2B+15+=+275+%2B+15 7. Cancel and combine terms: 10h+=+290 8. Divide both sides by 10: %2810h%29%2F10+=+290%2F10 9. Finish simplification: h+=+29 10. Replace h in your first equation: w+=+2%2829%29+-+5 11. Solve for w: w+=+58+-+5 w+=+53 12. Combine your solved equations with your variable definitions for your answer: A shirt costs $29 and a sweater costs $53.
